October 28, 2010 |

outlook, regardless of what happened against the New England Patriots.

I know, I know ….. it was a loss on the road to a very good team. If I just had a hair for every time I heard that excuse ….. I wouldn’t need the transplant !!!!

However, on the heels of the Foxboro loss, the inept Buffalo Bills came limping into M&T Bank Stadium. It was the prime opportunity to squash any fears related to Tom Brady’s 397th comeback. Unfortunately, we forgot to remind Ryan Fitzpatrick and Lee Evans of their role.

Be damned that 0-5 record, the Bills came to Baltimore looking to fight. And, that’s just what they did. They ran on the Ravens. They threw on the Ravens. They scored on the Ravens.

Fortunately, Joe Flacco and company were up to the challenge. And, with great thanks to Ray Lewis and some very patient or lapsed officiating, this very UGLY overall performance ended up as a victory …..

I’ll gladly take Sunday’s win. There’s a great chance the Ravens will vitally need it – especially if the team’s legendary defense is going to be so suspect over the final stretch of the season. If Ryan Fitzpatrick can exploit this secondary, what will Matt Ryan, Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Schaub and Drew Brees do?

I realize Sunday’s game marked the return of Ed Reed and some communicative or schematic breakdowns might’ve occured. I’ll buy that. And, God knows I hope that was a tangible reason tied to Fabian Washington’s meltdown.

Don’t get the wrong message – I’m not panicking or overreacting to a rather lackluster win against the Bills.

This is still a very solid team. The passing game is bound to increase in effectiveness. Ray Rice will most certainly get on track and the secondary could very well make the same improvements realized just one short season ago.

Don’t sweat it, baby …..

The Ravens are 5-2. Not bad, right? In fact, they’re sitting in a spot equivalent to two of the three most recent Super Bowl Champions, after seven weeks. In 2008, the Steelers were 5-2 at this point. And, in 2007, the New York Giants enjoyed a 5-1 record following their 7th game. We know how the season culminated for that team, right?

Championships are not earned in October. That’s an absolute truth. So, lets keep this in mind as November approaches.

The Ravens have work to do, there’s little doubt about this reality. As the players are enjoying their brief vacation, take comfort in knowing the coaching staff is working on improvements to the team’s overall approach, as well as a strategic plan for the Miami Dolphins.

We have lots more football ahead of us. And, it will be an exciting ride. Am I worried or pessimistic? Heck no – overall, this Ravens team has performed well and they’ve provided exciting entertainment for all of us. Could it better? Sure, it could always be better. But, it could also be worse …..